More than 10000 visitors celebrated the auspicious occasion of Hag-e-laila at Modhesh World. Keeping with the tradition, Modhesh World distributed unlimited goodies to children in the celebrations that began at 4pm. Attired in traditional wear, women seated in ethnic tents welcomed children with a variety of goodies. The goody bags contained numerous sweet treats and a selection of nutro biscuits by Britannia.
“Hag-e-Laila is an important Islamic event and a fun filled celebration for the children. Modhesh World is all about fun and celebrating this occasion gives us an opportunity to spread smiles besides educating the children about important customs,” said Ibrahim Saleh, Coordinator General of Dubai Shopping Festival Office, an agency of the Dubai Department of Economic Development and the organiser of DSS and Modhesh World.
A colourful play titled Atoona Hag E Laila was staged by the Modhesh World volunteers explaining the importance of this celebration in the history of the region and Islam.
Modhesh Friends Club members performed traditional dances and then moved around the three halls reciting Atoona Hag E Laila to collect their sweets. Exciting interactive games were played and goody bags were given to all present.
“This was the most exciting Hag-e-laila celebration I have been a part of. I enjoyed both the play and the dances besides getting so many chocolates and sweets,” said ten year old Zamzam Abdulla, from Qatar.
The government zones in Modhesh World also participated in the occasion by giving out sweets and other treats to children. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority conducted workshops for children to highlight the importance of the occasion and distributed traditional sweets. The Road and Transport Authority distributed sweets and its cute mascot, Salama, was decked up for the day in traditional garb.
Fireman Salem and his five friends; mascots of Dubai Civil Defense, had a new role today as they walked about meeting the children and surprising them with sweets and treats. The Heritage Display Area served harees, a traditional Arabic delight made of pulses and meat, along with sweet treats for children.
The traditional ayyallah dance was performed by young boys to greet the visitors. “We really enjoyed ourselves. We always celebrate Hag-e-laila at home but I never knew the meaning behind it. I learnt that as well and also saw so many exciting performances and collected so many chocolates. This was the best celebration ever,” said twelve year old Mona Mohammed.
Modhesh World doors open at 10.00am – 10:00pm from Saturdays to Wednesdays, from 10:00am – 12midnight on Thursdays, 3:00pm – 12midnight on Fridays. Tickets to the venue are priced at AED 10 - adults and 15 for kids with numerous free zones and exciting activities. Modhesh World will be open till August 14th.
